Energy in Queensland

Queensland's energy policy is based on the year 2000 document called [http://www.energy.qld.gov.au/zone_files/General_PDFs/qldenergypolicy2000.pdf|Queensland Energy Policy: A Cleaner Energy Strategy] . The Queensland Government assists energy development through the Queensland Department of Energy and is most noted for its contribution to coal mining in Australia. Initial development in the middle of the 20th century facilitated the extraction of fossil fuels and distribution of natural gas and oil in pipelines from the south west of the state, under the leadership of Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Fact|date=April 2007

About 80% of Queensland's electricity is produced from the burning of coal in major fossil fuel power stations including, Tarong Power Station and Stanwell Power Station.Fact|date=May 2007 The policy of Queensland stipulates that the government will not issue further generating licences for new coal fired power stations unless there is a clear and demonstrated need. It is expected that Queensland will need a major new power station by 2012. Fact|date=May 2007

The current energy policy of Queensland will not set targets above the national mandates for renewable energy because of its significant economic impact. Despite having a clear statutory definition of renewable energy, renewable energy development in Queensland lags behind other Australian states at an insignificant 5% of total consumption, despite having an ample source of sunlight. [ [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/media/environmental_management/sustainability/energy/Queensland_Solar_Resources.gif|Queensland Solar Resources: Annual Average Solar Insulation] . Retrieved 20 April 2007.] Widespread access to numerous coal mines, including 10 mines in the major coal producing region of the Bowen Basin,cite web |url=http://www.gc3.cqu.edu.au/modern-world/index.php#australia |title=The Importance of Coal in the Modern World - Australia |publisher=Gladstone Centre for Clean Coal |accessdate=2007-03-17] has provided an abundant fuel source which is much cheaper to produce when compared to renewable sources.

The current policy has provided initiatives like the 13% Gas Scheme. [ [http://www.energy.qld.gov.au/cleaner__diversified_generation.cfm Cleaner, diversified generation] . Retrieved on 20 April 2007.] These efforts and the 2006 halt to land clearing in Queensland, forms part of the state's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Western Corridor Recycled Water Project in the states south east, has been built to ensure water supply to power stations is maintained during drought in Australia.

The Queensland Government has made its own energy efficiency improvements under the Government Energy Management Strategy.

Concession Rebates/Discounts

* Electricity Rebate Scheme - $59.4 million
* Electricity Life Support Scheme - $0.5 million

ee also

*Energy policy of Australia

References

External links

* [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23915536-953,00.html Queensland largest greenhouse gas emitter in country]